Break-in time was quick... about 5 hours and the highssmoothed out very nicely, all the grain was gone.

Only thing I don't like is the output is a bit low forMM carts, I have not tried the MC section, also theloading is not adjustable, but I wouldn't expect itat this price point. Works perfectly with my OM-30,so I can't complain.

Break-in time was quick... about 5 hours and the highssmoothed out very nicely, all the grain was gone.

Only thing I don't like is the output is a bit low forMM carts, I have not tried the MC section, also theloading is not adjustable, but I wouldn't expect itat this price point. Works perfectly with my OM-30,so I can't complain.

Bought this cut-price some years ago when I had a highly-regarded Technics 9900 amplifier with MC input. I use a Dynavector Ruby Karat cartridge (low output moving coil) and the Technics MC input was truly awful (very bland and 2 dimensional sounding). I bought the Rotel and immediately noticed that the dynamics had come back to life - everything much more rounded and brighter with a clear sheen to string music. Percussion and transients outstanding at the price. Only gripe was that my Ruby Karat ouput was a bit low for the Rotel - BUT Rotel modified this for me at a nominal cost (the unit does not allow for changing input sensitivities) and now I'm really pleased. Replaced the Technics amp with a Meridian 502 pre-amp and the Rotel is not disgraced with this superb unit. I don't think it's easy to get the Rotel anymore (at least not in the UK) but it really is good - Stereophile list it as a recommended phono component offering tremendous value for money - couldn't agree more - so 5* for value.

OVERALLRATING

5

★★★★★

★★★★★

VALUERATING

5

★★★★★

★★★★★

Mark Napora Audio Enthusiast

[Dec 08, 1999]

Strength:

Quiet MM and MC stagesAudiophile grade components

Weakness:
Requires highish MC output

Bought this cut-price some years ago when I had a highly-regarded Technics 9900 amplifier with MC input. I use a Dynavector Ruby Karat cartridge (low output moving coil) and the Technics MC input was truly awful (very bland and 2 dimensional sounding). I bought the Rotel and immediately noticed that the dynamics had come back to life - everything much more rounded and brighter with a clear sheen to string music. Percussion and transients outstanding at the price. Only gripe was that my Ruby Karat ouput was a bit low for the Rotel - BUT Rotel modified this for me at a nominal cost (the unit does not allow for changing input sensitivities) and now I'm really pleased. Replaced the Technics amp with a Meridian 502 pre-amp and the Rotel is not disgraced with this superb unit. I don't think it's easy to get the Rotel anymore (at least not in the UK) but it really is good - Stereophile list it as a recommended phono component offering tremendous value for money - couldn't agree more - so 5* for value.